BESWICK POTTERY

BESWICK POTTERY

The beswick pottery house was a family run business and was founded in 1892 by the father james beswick, we all know the famous son more john beswick whom designed many pieces including the beswick pups and what is now the seated fawn and white royal doulton bulldog.

The family did very well making a name for them selves in the collectables market and had a great run till they sold the beswick brand to royal doulton in 2004, so far I have found the pups the buson the champ and the sailor by the pond im not sure if beswick made others but I know the sailor piece is the rarest of these pieces.

Beswick pieces are a great starting point for collectors they are of an affordable price and display very well.

To read more  head over to Head over to read about the artist before he sold up to Royal Doulton in 1969  

So there are many other makers manufacturers out there from the U.K. and John Beswick has to be up there amongst the top ten he did not just create porcelain figurines he ran an empire that’s now turned into a collectors paradise, I see many Beswick figurines at boot sales for no price at all and then see them fly in the auction rooms it’s a funny old game is collecting.

Look out for John Beswick and he’s rarer pieces you can buy a book to brush up on him and the pieces he has made in the past and the copies Royal Doulton needed to do with a few of his original pieces either to start the collecting supply and demand or that they felt these models were too basic.

We hope you enjoy all the pieces shown on collectibulldogs.com and we will strive to add more pieces when we can and also hope you are all out there looking for that next best piece.

BESWICK POTTERY CONTINUES

Beswick Pottery: A Legacy of British Craftsmanship

Beswick Pottery is one of the most renowned names in British ceramics, known for its fine craftsmanship, exquisite animal figurines, and beautifully designed tableware. Established in the late 19th century, the Beswick brand has left a lasting legacy in the world of pottery and remains highly collectible today. From its humble beginnings to its status as a sought-after collector’s item, Beswick’s history is rich with innovation and artistic excellence.

The Origins of Beswick Pottery

Beswick Pottery was founded in 1892 by James Wright Beswick in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, a region famous for its pottery industry. The company originally specialized in producing tableware and ornamental ceramics. Longton was a prime location due to its abundance of raw materials, skilled workforce, and a long history of ceramic production.

During its early years, Beswick focused on making practical ceramic items, including jugs, teapots, and dinnerware. However, it was their shift to decorative items and figurines in the early 20th century that truly set them apart.

The Rise of Animal Figurines

One of the defining aspects of Beswick Pottery was its exceptional range of animal figurines. In the 1930s, the company began producing highly detailed animal models, which quickly became popular. The introduction of these figurines marked a turning point for Beswick, helping to cement its reputation as a leading name in ceramics.

Arthur Gredington, who joined Beswick as a sculptor in the 1930s, played a crucial role in the development of these animal figures. Gredington’s work was highly realistic, capturing the essence of each animal with remarkable precision. His designs included a wide range of domestic and wild animals, from dogs and cats to farm animals and horses. The attention to detail and lifelike representation made these figures extremely desirable.

Beswick’s animal figurines were particularly famous for their naturalistic poses and expressive faces. The brand became synonymous with equestrian figures, particularly the famous Beswick horses, which were sculpted in various poses, including standing, trotting, and jumping.

Wartime Challenges and Post-War Expansion

Like many other British companies, Beswick faced challenges during World War II. Production was limited due to material shortages and wartime restrictions. However, the post-war era saw a resurgence in demand for decorative ceramics, allowing Beswick to expand its offerings and refine its production techniques.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Beswick continued to innovate, introducing hand-painted glazes and new sculpting techniques. This period saw the release of many of the brand’s most famous pieces, including the beloved Beatrix Potter series, which remains one of Beswick’s most recognizable and collectible ranges.

The Beatrix Potter Collection

One of Beswick’s most successful lines was the Beatrix Potter figurine collection, first introduced in 1948. This collection featured characters from Beatrix Potter’s beloved children’s books, including Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Tom Kitten, and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle. These figures were beautifully hand-painted, staying true to Potter’s original illustrations.

The Beatrix Potter range was an immediate success, appealing to both children and adult collectors. Today, vintage Beswick Beatrix Potter figurines are highly sought after by collectors worldwide. The charm and nostalgia associated with these pieces make them a cherished part of many collections.

The Walt Disney and TV Character Series

In addition to Beatrix Potter figures, Beswick also ventured into producing figurines of popular Disney characters in the mid-20th century. Their Disney collection included beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse, Bambi, and Snow White. These figures were well-received and added to Beswick’s appeal among collectors of animated and literary characters.

Beswick also produced a range of figurines based on popular TV shows and comics, such as the Mr. Jeremy Fisher and Rupert Bear series. These collections further solidified Beswick’s reputation as a leader in high-quality ceramic figurines.

Tableware and Decorative Pieces

Though best known for their figurines, Beswick also created an extensive range of tableware and decorative ceramic pieces. Their vases, jugs, and dinnerware sets were popular throughout the mid-20th century. Many of these pieces featured floral and nature-inspired designs, with hand-painted details and a distinctive glossy glaze.

The company’s tableware lines were practical yet elegant, making them a staple in British homes. Over the years, these pieces have also become collectible, especially those featuring Beswick’s signature hand-painted designs.

The Royal Doulton Takeover

Beswick remained a family-run business until 1969, when it was acquired by Royal Doulton, another prestigious name in British ceramics. Under Royal Doulton’s ownership, Beswick continued to produce its famous figurines, but changes in production methods and market trends gradually led to shifts in its output.

By the late 20th century, traditional ceramic figurines faced increasing competition from modern materials such as resin. Production costs and changing consumer preferences made it challenging for Beswick to maintain its traditional handcrafted approach.

The End of an Era and Revival of Interest

In 2002, Royal Doulton ceased production of Beswick-branded items, marking the end of an era for this historic pottery brand. However, the legacy of Beswick lives on through collectors, enthusiasts, and the secondary market.

Interest in vintage Beswick pottery has surged in recent years, with collectors seeking out rare and limited-edition pieces. Auctions and antique fairs regularly feature Beswick figurines, with some rare models fetching high prices. The nostalgia associated with these pieces, coupled with their artistic quality, ensures that Beswick remains a cherished name in the world of ceramics.

Identifying and Valuing Beswick Pottery

Collectors looking to identify and value Beswick pieces should pay attention to several key factors:

• Backstamps: Beswick items are often marked with a backstamp featuring the company’s name and logo. Variations in backstamps can help determine the production era of a piece.
• Hand-painted details: Older Beswick items were hand-painted, making each piece slightly unique. Brushwork, glaze quality, and color variations can indicate authenticity.
• Rarity: Some Beswick figures were produced in limited numbers, making them more valuable. Special editions, discontinued pieces, and prototype models often command higher prices.
• Condition: As with most collectibles, the condition of a Beswick piece greatly affects its value. Chips, cracks, or repairs can lower its worth, while mint-condition items with original packaging are highly desirable.

Conclusion

Beswick Pottery remains an enduring symbol of British ceramic craftsmanship. From its early days producing tableware to its celebrated animal figurines and storybook characters, Beswick has left a lasting impression on collectors and art lovers alike. Though production has ceased, the demand for Beswick pottery continues to grow, ensuring its place in the world of antique and vintage ceramics for years to come.

 

Whether as a collector’s item or a treasured family heirloom, Beswick pieces continue to bring joy to those who appreciate fine craftsmanship, artistry, and a touch of nostalgia. The brand’s rich history and beautifully designed ceramics ensure that Beswick’s legacy will remain cherished for generations to come.

 

John Beswick Ltd, formerly J. W. Beswick, was a pottery manufacturer, founded in 1894 by James Wright Beswick and his sons John and Gilbert in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. In 1969, the business was sold to Doulton & Co. Ltd. The factory closed in 2002 and the brand John Beswick was sold in 2004.

 

if you’d like a guide to collecting Beswick pottery then I found this website Click here if you would like to learn more about Beswick Pottery the price guys what sections they do and lots of other important information that you will find useful if you become a collector of this English institution of ceramic excellence

 

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